The U.S. F-35 has been shot down—who helped Iran achieve this? On April 3, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed that it had shot down a U.S. F-35 fighter jet over central Iran. To date, however, the U.S. side has not confirmed this claim! Of course, whether the U.S. confirms it or not is one matter, but Iran has provided supporting evidence: simultaneously releasing blurry images of what appear to be aircraft wreckage and emphasizing that this was the second U.S. aircraft shot down within a 12-hour period.

Clearly, if this report proves true, it would represent a massive blow to the United States. The F-35 has long symbolized American hegemony and stands as the flagship of its air superiority. If indeed it were shot down over Iranian airspace, it would mean the complete collapse of America’s vaunted stealth myth, reshaping global military dynamics. Furthermore, U.S. allies might suspend their orders for the F-35, triggering a chain reaction of consequences.

Naturally, what troubles the U.S. most is how Iran managed to accomplish this with such advanced U.S. aircraft. According to available information, Iran likely possesses four types of equipment capable of detecting stealth fighters. First is China’s YLC-8B decimeter-wave radar, specifically designed to counter the F-35’s stealth, capable of stable tracking at distances of approximately 300–350 km. Second is China’s JY-27 / JY-27A meter-wave anti-stealth radar, which can detect stealth targets up to 200 km away, though with relatively low precision—suitable only for early warning purposes.

Third is Iran’s domestically produced meter-wave radar, Qadir / Ghadir, which Iran claims can detect stealth targets at ranges of 200–300 km. Fourth is Russia’s VHF meter-wave radar, offering long-range early warning capabilities up to 400 km. If even America’s stealth fighters are no longer safe, this undoubtedly represents a significant weakening of U.S. air dominance. Clearly, America’s troubles are growing ever more serious.

Original source: toutiao.com/article/1861425707407562/

Disclaimer: This article reflects the personal views of the author.